Work as a team!

Simulated survival scenario

Imagine our group was in a helicopter that crashed in the mountains of northern Ontario. The pilots did not survive the crash, but we all did. Our assignment is to keep everyone alive.

Before the helicopter explodes we only have enough time to grab 5 items and get ourselves to safety.

Take as much time as you need to discuss the items you wish to take.

Tarp

First aid kit

Bandana

Water bottle

Hat

Flashlight

Map & compass

Snack

Reflecting device Flint & Steel /

Lighter Newspaper Whistle Steel Wool Pocket Knife Metal Can Garbage Bags Watch

Tarp: shelter

First aid kit: important to be prepared for injuries

Bandana: versatile, signal, rope, trail marker

Water bottle: people need water

Hat: extra clothing, protect from hypothermia

Flashlight: signalling (three flashes = SOS)

Map & compass: Knowledge needed

Snack: extra food, people need food

Reflecting device: signaling, reflect sunlight

Flint & Steel / Lighter: a fire needs a spark

Newspaper: fuel for fire

Whistle: signaling (3 whistles = SOS)

Steel Wool: one of the few things to make fire from a spark

Pocket Knife: versatile, help with shelters, fire, food, etc.

Metal Can: boil water, cook food, or carry things

Garbage Bags: shelter, poncho

Watch: determine direction and time

Check for injuries!

What should we begin to do?

Build a shelter!

Consider size, sturdiness, wind, rain/snow, insulation

Size:◦ Should be just big enough to shelter the builders. It too

large, body heat (which warms the shelter) will be less effective

Sturdiness:◦ Able to stand up to wind, rain, and snow. Use a tree, log, or

rock as a foundation or structural support

Wind:◦ Door should open opposite the direction of wind and be as

windproof as possible

Rain/Snow:◦ Waterproof. A sloping roof tends to shed water better

Insulation:◦ Must hold in the warm air. Dead tree leaves work great…

pile them up to three feet thick

◦ Video Always consider whether the amount of energy you will save by being protected will

be greater than the amount of energy needed to build the shelter in the first place.

In an emergency situation, you should begin building a fire 2-3 hours before dark and gather 2-3 times more wood than you think you need.

A fire is important because…

It gives warmth and light, acts as a signal, can purify water, dry clothing, and boost morale

Note: a fire is not completely extinguishes until the ashes are cold.

What should you do when lost in a group of 2 or more on PEI?

S.T.O.P. ◦ People will likely be looking for you

Stay together◦ This keeps people calm and you’ll be easier to find

Use the resources of the group◦ Share knowledge, skill, and ideas. What resources do you

have together?

Stay alert◦ Listen for car horns, whistles, or voices. When you hear

something, signal back, whistle, or call out.

PEI is a small island, without much undeveloped land. We don’t have huge forests, mountains, or deserts.

However, you can still find yourself in an emergency situation on PEI.◦ If injured, it may be difficult to walk to a nearby

road or home.

◦ Water temperatures are frigid, even in the summer.

◦ The weather is unpredictable and unreliable.

STAY WHERE YOU ARE!

Search teams will likely be looking for you.◦ You will be found sooner if you stay put.

Make yourself obvious. ◦ Build a fire, tie a colourful bandana in a visible

place, or place markers in an open area such as a field.

A grouping of three is a universal distress signal (SOS). ◦ Make three piles of rocks, three fires, or blow a

whistle three times, etc.